Methods and system design for providing leak detection of volatile liquid hydrocarbon vapors

ABSTRACT

Embodiments are directed to a ventilation unit configured to exhaust drawn-in air from an enclosure, and a detection unit integrated with the ventilation unit and configured to detect a vapor. Embodiments are directed to a collection mechanism configured to collect liquid, a detection unit configured to sample vapor emitted from the liquid of the collection mechanism, and a ventilation unit integrated with the detection unit and configured to exhaust the vapor subsequent to the vapor having been sampled by the detection unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to leak detection. Forexample, aspects of the disclosure are directed to detecting a leakbased on an emission of vapors.

Increasingly, fuels that have a low ignition temperature are being usedin connection with one or more applications, such as a gas turbine. If aleak in a gas turbine develops, evaporation of the liquid fuel may posea risk of ignition, particularly if the associated vapors are allowed toaggregate or form pockets.

Extraction pipes have been used as a part of a detection mechanism todetect leaking liquid. The extraction pipes may be located on a floor ofa compartment or enclosure. The extraction pipes may be associated witha blower or fan that may be configured to draw air across one or moresensors. The enclosure may include a ventilation system that may beconfigured to maintain an air-exchange relationship to reduce thelikelihood or probability of pockets of vapor developing. Theventilation system includes a blower or fan, separate from the blower orfan associated with the extraction pipes, to facilitate the air-exchangerelationship.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a system comprises aventilation unit configured to exhaust drawn-in air from an enclosure,and a detection unit integrated with the ventilation unit and configuredto detect a vapor.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus comprises acollection mechanism configured to collect liquid, a detection unitconfigured to sample vapor emitted from the liquid of the collectionmechanism, and a ventilation unit integrated with the detection unit andconfigured to exhaust the vapor subsequent to the vapor having beensampled by the detection unit.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a method comprisescollecting liquid in a collection mechanism, detecting, by a detectionunit, vapors emitted from the collected liquid, and exhausting, via aventilation unit integrated with the detection unit, drawn-in air mixedwith the vapors from an enclosure.

These and other advantages and features will become more apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed inthe claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing andother features of the disclosure are apparent from the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system in accordance with one or moreaspects of the disclosure; and

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method in accordance with one or moreaspects of the disclosure.

The detailed description explains embodiments of the disclosure,together with advantages and features, by way of example with referenceto the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, apparatuses,systems and methods are described for detecting vapor, such as vaporassociated with a gas. While largely stated in terms of vapor associatedwith fuel, the techniques and methodologies described herein may beadapted to accommodate other forms of detection. For example, aspects ofthe disclosure are directed to a detection of smoke.

It is noted that various connections are set forth between elements inthe following description and in the drawings (the contents of which areincluded in this disclosure by way of reference). It is noted that theseconnections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct orindirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting inthis respect. In this regard, a coupling of entities may refer to eithera direct or an indirect connection.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 in connection with one or moreembodiments. The system 100 may be used to detect vapor, such as vaporassociated with one or more fuels. The vapor may be the result of anevaporation process with respect to, e.g., leaking liquid fuel. The leakmay be the result of, e.g., a poor or inadequate mechanical couplingbetween connection points or joints used in an application, such as agas turbine application.

In some embodiments, the system 100 comprises an enclosure 101. In someembodiments, the enclosure 101 is used to contain liquid, such asleaking liquid. Optionally, the enclosure 101 is used to provide aclosed environment for the liquid and any vapors that may be generatedby the liquid.

In some embodiments, the system 100 comprises one or more dampers 102,such as dampers 102 a and 102 b. While two dampers 102 are shown in FIG.1, the system 100 may include any number of dampers 102.

In some embodiments, the dampers 102 are associated with a ventilationmechanism or system that optionally is configured to provide forair-intake, cooling, or dilution. For example, the ventilation systemmay maintain temperatures in the system 100, so as to reduce thelikelihood or probability of pockets of vapor developing. While notshown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments a controller is configured tocontrol the dampers 102 to achieve a specified rate or volume ofair-intake, air temperature, etc., with respect to the system 100.

In some embodiments, the system 100 comprises one or more pumps 104,such as pumps 104 a and 104 b. While two pumps 104 are shown in FIG. 1,the system 100 may include any number of pumps 104.

In some embodiments, the pumps 104 are configured to transfer liquid,such as liquid contributing to a leak, to a collection mechanism 106 viaa flooring 108. In some embodiments, the pumps 104 are configured toreturn liquid (e.g., fuel) to, e.g., a gas turbine, for continued use.

In some embodiments, the flooring 108 is associated with a “false”flooring. Optionally, the flooring 108 comprises one or more penetrationpoints or openings. In some embodiments, the openings allow liquid tofall through or penetrate the flooring 108 and to collect in thecollection mechanism 106. In some embodiments, a series of openings areprovided for. In some embodiments, the openings are configured tocollect vapor from areas of the flooring 108, such as all areas of theflooring 108. In some embodiments, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)code, such as CFX or Fluent, may be used.

In some embodiments, the flooring 108 has a uniform pressure drop. Theuniform pressure drop may be used to ensure an effective capturevelocity over the entire floor 108.

In some embodiments, the collection mechanism 106 comprises a sump. Insome embodiments, the collection mechanism 106 is configured to receiveliquid from the flooring 108 via the openings. The liquid may be stored,either temporarily or permanently, in the collection mechanism 106. Insome embodiments, the collection mechanism 106 is used to ensure thatliquid is contained in a closed environment. For example, the collectionmechanism 106 may be used to capture, e.g., all liquids. In someembodiments, liquid contained in the collection mechanism 106 isreturned to, e.g., a gas turbine, for use, or is disposed of

Liquid contained in the collection mechanism 106 may emit one or morevapors 110. The vapors 110 may be generated as a result of anevaporation of the liquid contained in the collection mechanism 106. Insome embodiments, the vapors 110 are indicative of a gas that is heavierthan air. In some embodiments, the vapors 110 are indicative of a gasthat is lighter than air.

In some embodiments air 112 is extracted, possibly as part of aventilation mechanism or system as previously described. The air 112 mayserve a number of functions. In some embodiments the air 112 is insertedor forced below the flooring 108 by, e.g., a negative pressureventilation system, in order to facilitate an air-exchange relationshipto reduce the likelihood or probability of pockets of vapor 110 fromdeveloping.

In some embodiments, one or more blowers or fans are included. Forexample, one or more fans 114 may be used to draw the vapors 110(potentially mixed with air 112) across or proximate to a detection unit116 and subsequently out of the system 100 via an exhaust output or line118. In this manner, in some embodiments the fan 114 functions as both asample-draw fan (e.g., with respect to the detection unit 116) as wellas a ventilation fan (e.g., with respect to the dampers 102 and/or theexhaust output or line 118). More generally, aspects of the disclosuremay integrate a detection system and a ventilation system. As a resultof such integration, a reduction in the number of components (e.g., fansor blowers) optionally is realized. The savings or reduction incomponents may be even greater when one considers that multiplecomponents may (have) be(en) used in order to provide redundancy.

In some embodiments, the detection unit 116 comprises one or moresensors. Optionally, the sensors are configured to detect a presenceand/or an amount of one or more gases based on the vapors 110, andpotentially the air 112, being directed from the collection mechanism106 towards the detection unit 116 via the fan 114.

In some embodiments, the detection unit 116 is configured to provide astatus regarding the one or more gases. For example, if the amount of adetected gas (potentially measured as a volume, a concentration, etc.)exceeds a threshold, the detection unit 116 may generate a message. Themessage may take the form of an email, a text message, a voice message,a display graphic, an auditory alarm, etc. In some embodiments, when theamount of the detected gas exceeds a threshold, a determination may bemade by, e.g., the detection unit 116 that a leak is present.

In some embodiments, the detection unit 116 causes measurements taken bythe sensor(s) to be saved or stored, potentially in one or morememories, databases, etc. In some embodiments, a saving/storing of themeasurements is used for data-logging purposes, in connection withtroubleshooting, repair, or maintenance activities, to generate one ormore reports, to provide any other opportunity for analysis, etc.

In some embodiments, the system 100 comprises one or more baffles 120,such as baffles 120 a and 120 b. While two baffles 120 are shown in FIG.1, the system 100 may include any number of baffles 120.

In some embodiments, the baffles 120 are configured to control orregulate a flow of fluid in the system 100. In some embodiments, thebaffles 120 are used to restrain the flow of vapors 110 and/or liquid inthe collection mechanism 106. The baffles 120 may be used to control theflow of fluid in a given direction, such as toward the detection unit116.

In some embodiments, the system 100 comprises one or more isolationmechanisms. For example, in some embodiments a valve 122, when in an“open” state or position, is used to drain liquid from the collectionmechanism 106 by way of a drain outlet 124. The valve 122, when in a“closed” state or position, might not allow liquid to leave thecollection mechanism 106 via the drain outlet 124. In some embodiments,the valve 122 is normally closed, but might be opened in the event of,e.g., a sizable leak (e.g., a leak beyond a threshold).

In some embodiments, the state or position of the valve 122 is manuallycommanded. For example, the state or position of the valve 122 may beresponsive to a user input (e.g., depression of a switch, button, orkey, a voice command, etc.). In some embodiments, the state or positionof the valve 122 may be automatically determined by an entity, such asthe detection unit 116. In some embodiments, the detection unit 116 isconfigured to command the valve 122 to open when the amount of the vapor110 exceeds a threshold and to close when the amount of the vapor 110 isless than that threshold. In some embodiments, hysteresis may be appliedto the threshold in order to avoid excessively opening and closing thevalve 122 within a given period of time when the amount of the vapor 110is proximate the threshold.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method that may be used in connection with one ormore embodiments. The method of FIG. 2 may execute in conjunction withone or more systems, apparatuses, devices, or components, such as thosedescribed herein. In some embodiments, the method of FIG. 2 is used todetect that one or more gases are present. For example, the method maybe used to detect that one or more gases are present in an amountexceeding a threshold, which may serve as an indication that there is aleak in connection with an associated application or system. In thisregard, in some embodiments the method of FIG. 2 is used to monitor fora leak.

In step 202, liquid is collected. The liquid may be collected in one ormore collection mechanisms, such as the collection mechanism 106. Theliquid may be indicative of a leak associated with, e.g., a turbine.

In step 204, air is drawn through a floor of an enclosure, such asenclosure 101. For example, in some embodiments a negative pressureventilation system that is coupled to a volume below a floor (e.g.,floor 108) draws air from the enclosure via openings in the floor.

In step 206, a fan or blower (e.g., fan 114) causes vapors (e.g., thevapors 110) emitted from the collected liquid associated with step 202to be detected by one or more detection units (e.g., detection unit116), possibly in combination with the drawn-in air of step 204. As partof step 206, the fan/blower may also output or exhaust the vapors and/ordrawn-in air after having been exposed to the detection unit (e.g.,after having been sampled by the detection unit). A portion of thevapors and/or drawn-in air may be collected for analysis or examination.

In step 208, a measurement of one or more parameters based on the vaporsand/or air associated with step 206 is conducted. For example, thedetection unit may compare an amount of the vapors to one or morethresholds. Based on the comparison, in some embodiments the detectionunit causes one or more actions to be taken. For example, the detectionunit may: cause a regulation of a flow rate or speed of the fan/blower,provide for a state of one or more baffles (e.g., baffles 120), providefor a state or position of an isolation mechanism (e.g., valve 122)associated with the collection mechanism, generate one or more messages,etc.

The method of FIG. 2 is illustrative. In some embodiments, some of thesteps (or portions thereof) are optional. In some embodiments,additional steps not shown are included. In some embodiments, the stepsexecute in an order or sequence different from what is shown in FIG. 2.

Aspects of the disclosure have been described in terms of thecollection, sampling, and testing of vapors that may be given off duringthe evaporation process of one or more liquids, such as liquid that maybe heavier or denser than air. One skilled in the art will appreciatethat aspects of the disclosure may be adapted to accommodate differenttypes of products, such as different types of liquids. For example, thetechniques described herein may be applied in connection with gasturbines where naphtha may be used as a combustion fuel. Additionalapplications are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

As described herein, in some embodiments various functions or acts maytake place at a given location and/or in connection with the operationof one or more apparatuses, systems, or devices. For example, in someembodiments, a portion of a given function or act may be performed at afirst device or location, and the remainder of the function or act maybe performed at one or more additional devices or locations.

Aspects of the disclosure may be implemented using one or moretechnologies. In some embodiments, an apparatus or system comprises oneor more processors and memory storing instructions that, when executedby the one or more processors, cause the apparatus or system to performone or more methodological acts as described herein. Various mechanicalcomponents are used in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, aspects of the disclosure are implemented as one ormore apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. In some embodiments,instructions are stored on one or more computer-readable media, such asa transitory and/or non-transitory computer-readable medium. In someembodiments, the instructions, when executed, cause an entity (e.g., anapparatus or system) to perform one or more methodological acts asdescribed herein.

In some embodiments, aspects of the disclosure are tied to particularmachines. For example, as described herein, an enclosure optionallycomprises a floor configured to pass liquids to a collection mechanism,such as a sump. In some embodiments, a ventilation mechanism, such as anegative pressure ventilation system, is configured to draw air from theenclosure through the floor. A mixture of air and vapor may then beconveyed through a ventilation mechanism via one or more fans orblowers. In some embodiments, one or more detectors is located within,e.g., a ducting. In some embodiments, the detector(s) is/are configuredto detect the presence or amount of one or more gases evaporated off ofthe liquid collected in the collection mechanism. Optionally, thedetected gas(es) is/are used to determine whether a leak is present.

In some embodiments, gas detection is provided for gases that areheavier than air. In some embodiments, an improved leak detectionresolution is realized. For example, relatively small leaks may bedetected, even if those leaks are not proximate an opening of anextraction pipe.

While aspects of the disclosure have been described in detail inconnection with only a select number of embodiments, it should bereadily understood that the disclosure is not limited to suchembodiments. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate anynumber of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalentarrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate withthe spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while variousembodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to beunderstood that aspects of the disclosure may include only some of thedescribed embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen aslimited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scopeof the appended claims.

1. A system comprising: a ventilation unit configured to exhaustdrawn-in air from an enclosure; and a detection unit integrated with theventilation unit and configured to detect a vapor.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, where the vapor is associated with evaporation of a liquidcontained in a closed environment.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein theclosed environment is at least partially defined by a floor comprisingopenings configured to drain the liquid into a collection mechanism. 4.The system of claim 1, wherein the detection unit is integrated with theventilation unit via a common fan or blower.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the vapor is heavier than air.
 6. The system of claim 1, whereinthe vapor comprises smoke.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein thedetection unit is configured to cause an action to be taken when anamount of the vapor exceeds a threshold.
 8. The system of claim 1,further comprising: at least one damper configured as an inlet for thedrawn-in air.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the ventilation unit isconfigured to exhaust the vapor after the vapor is sampled by thedetection unit.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising: anoutlet; and an isolation mechanism configured to selectively transferliquid associated with the vapor from a collection mechanism to theoutlet.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the isolation mechanismcomprises a valve, and wherein a position of the valve is determined bythe detection unit.
 12. An apparatus comprising: a collection mechanismconfigured to collect liquid; a detection unit configured to samplevapor emitted from the liquid of the collection mechanism; and aventilation unit integrated with the detection unit and configured toexhaust the vapor subsequent to the vapor having been sampled by thedetection unit.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the ventilationunit comprises: at least one damper configured as an inlet fordrawing-in air.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: afloor configured to allow the liquid to fall through the floor and tocollect in the collection mechanism; and a negative pressure ventilationsystem configured to provide the air to a volume below the floor via atleast one opening or a series of openings which are configured so as tocollect vapor from all areas of the floor.
 15. The apparatus of claim12, wherein the detection unit is integrated with the ventilation unitvia a common fan or blower.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein thedetection unit comprises at least one sensor configured to detect thevapor.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the detection unit isconfigured to generate a message when the vapor exceeds a threshold, andwherein the message comprises at least one of: an email, a text message,a voice message, a display graphic, and an auditory alarm.
 18. A methodcomprising: collecting liquid in a collection mechanism; detecting, by adetection unit, vapors emitted from the collected liquid; andexhausting, via a ventilation unit integrated with the detection unit,drawn-in air mixed with the vapors from an enclosure.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the detection unit is integrated with the ventilationunit via a common fan or blower.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein theenclosure is coupled to a turbine, and wherein the liquid comprisesnaphtha leaked by the turbine.